⏱ 2 min read
Derrick Callella, a 42-year-old California man, has pleaded guilty to harassing a missing person’s family in Arizona by making ransom demands. On February 4, 2026, Callella called and sent text messages to the family, asking about a bitcoin transfer, despite knowing an earlier ransom demand had been made. The incident occurred in Tucson, Arizona, and Callella’s actions were meant to harass the family by seeking information about the investigation into the missing person’s disappearance.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office conducted the investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. Callella faces a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, and one year of supervised release.
Callella’s sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2026, before United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker. The case highlights the severity of harassment using telecommunication devices, particularly in cases involving ransom demands and missing persons.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Arizona
- Location: AZ
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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